Sometimes my books try to write themselves. I don’t usually know the whole story at the start, but have a general notion what’s coming. Unfortunately, my characters often have a different vision. This can be fun if someone knocks on the door and I don’t know who’s on the other side. But it can also result in confusion and a lot of wasted time.
The book I’m currently working on – If By Chance – is a perfect example. A young woman appeared one day and I had no idea who she was or if she was going to fit. I liked her though, so I decided to try to find room for her. She was pleased, but argued for her right to share her point of view, a privilege that is usually reserved for major characters only. I gave in, then introduced her to her love interest. She looked him over, turned up her nose and said he wasn’t her type. Next, I chose a career for her. But she said it was beneath her and staunchly refused to perform some of the necessary duties.
Suddenly, there were stars circling my head and I realized I had run into a wall. I either had to evict her from the book, or give her lesser role. This meant going all the way back to the beginning and rewriting every scene that included this character.
I hate to admit it, but I know there have been times, too many times, when I was the difficult character in God’s novel. “That guy isn’t right for you,” He tried to say, but I pretended not to hear Him. “Your gifts will be wasted in that career,” He warned, but I turned my head and finished the application and rejoiced when I got the job. For a while anyway. A short while …
Sometimes our emotions overpower our ears and we can’t hear what the Lord is trying to tell us. Other times, we refuse to hear. In either case, once we realize we’re going the wrong way, the best thing to do is STOP. Stop and wait for Him to help us find a way back, or a way out, or a way through.
If we insist on forging ahead, there’s no telling what might be waiting at the end of the path.
Remember the Robert Frost poem about two roads? Sometimes it seems to me that there are a dozen choices, not two, in both my books and my life. I find it’s best to travel a short distance, then stop and ask the Lord if my tracking system is working properly. Should I recenter the map, plot a new course, or go back to the beginning and start over? Time spent consulting with the Lord will make the Way smoother and assure we’ll find what’s best for us at the end of the path … or the book.
Diane Lil Adams started writing when she was ten, and it's still her favorite pastime. When her husband became a believer after reading Christian fiction, she settled happily into that genre. After spending the better part of her life trying to figure out how to earn God's love and forgiveness, Diane learned the meaning of grace, and loves to share it with her readers. Besides her bestselling, A Series of Chances, she has six standalone romances and one free children's book, all available on Amazon. There are multiple authors named Diane Adams though, so be sure and look for the Lil!
A good blog post, one I needed to hear.
Great words here, Diane. I’m curious did that character stay or go?
For me, unplugging and being quiet with God each day is the way I stay on the right path. Of course, there are still days where I wander a bit.
I enjoyed reading your post!
This is a great post! Yeah, I’m wondering too if the character stayed or went? Or did she get her own book since she was so bossy? lol. Thanks for the reminder I always need to be making sure what I’m saying or doing is what God would have me do.
Thanks for sharing this was good to hear.
It was a timely reminder to stop and check in with my Heavenly Father.
Thanks!
I love the statement that your books sometimes try to write themselves. That is so interesting! I can just imagine the thoughts coming so fast that it is hard to keep up. I think that makes you a good story teller. :-) Taking the time to listen to what God is trying to say to us is so important. I need to remember to listen and hear Him. :-)
Thanks for this, Diane. A timely reminder. I’d like to say I’m malleable to what my Author wants to do in my life, but it isn’t always the case. I’m glad He doesn’t just evict me from the story when I fail to cooperate.
Awesome insight, Diane. A great time for the reminder, too.
Thank you. I needed to hear that today!
I’m glad if it was helpful. I need to put it on a post-it note and tack it on the edge of my monitor.
I really intended to boot her all the way out of the book, but she wept so hard and begged forgiveness so I relented and gave her a minor role.
Thanks, Linda! Nice of you to say so!
see reply to Jill. Hmmm … you know, you might have something there. Her own book. Hmmmm ….
My pleasure! Thanks for your kind comments.
I once saw a play with the author sitting at a typewriter on stage and the characters moaning and complaining whenever he backspaced – especially the dead body that had to leap up and die again and again. I could definitely relate!
I have been the recipient of God’s grace more times than I can count. I have certainly deserved that eviction notice, but that’s why it’s called grace!
Heading into the busy holidays means I must set aside more time for reading the Word and listening to what the Lord wants to tell me. Hard to do when it seems there is less time for that!
I’m glad if the message was timely for you, Katy! Thanks for saying so …